BCinBC
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Posts posted by BCinBC
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I just want something (or someone? perhaps the maid snowangel spoke of) to do the dishes, pots, pans, counters, etc. - everything except for my knives please!
I know my wife would like a constant-temperature oven, ie one that doesn't do the "sine wave" around a target temperature. She's the baker though; to me the oven seems to work fine.
But if this is Christmas in April, I might as well ask for one of SK's magic pantries, and the Haute Cuisine VR Device. Add melkor's car flinging spatula, that sounds good too. Oh what the hell, just give me two of everthing.
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Have you been to L.A. with the ABC ratings on the doors - who is going to eat in a "C" restaurant, or a "B" for that matter. As an outsider looking in, it would appear that the marketplace might decide with their feet to pass on a less than clean restaurant. Seems like a good system to me.
Neil, I've had the same thoughts when seeing those signs. Then again, I have also noticed that they are crazy for the "maximum occupancy" signs, which seem (to me) to be disregarded as required, though usually in bars. Makes me wonder what the ABC ratings are worth, if the occupancy regs are sometimes flexible.
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One more thing: I looked on the back of the Baskin Robbins coupon to see if there were any close to me, and noticed the Cornwall location.
Memo to Baskin Robbins: White Spot has been accepting your free ice cream deliveries for the past seven years!
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Okay teach, as promised I did my homework last night and perused the e-book.
Places the coupon is virtually guaranteed to be used:
-Bizou Bistro
-Candia Taverna
-Frog & Firkin
-Hamilton Street Grill (well from now on)
-Hudson's Landing
-Las Margueritas
-Mark's Fiasco
-Maplewood
-Monk's Oyster Bar (hey free oysters!)
-Tropika
-plus DQ and Harvey's (what's a visit to Home Depot without Harvey's?)
Places previously guaranteed, but we've since moved out of Kits:
-Hi Nippon
-Il Ducato (yeah it's a cave, but the food is good)
-Planet Veg
Places I've been to once or twice, and really should return to:
-Aqua Riva
-Dix BBQ
-President Cafe
Places I'd like to try but haven't gotten around to yet:
-Fiction (yes it's true, don't tell Sean)
-Habibi's
-Lombardo's (especially after FannyBay's post)
-Velvet Cafe
-Prime Rib House and Black Forest, both in White Rock
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Great post - my wife & I have been meaning to try Aurora, as it was recommended by a coworker of hers who by all accounts should be on this site. (Lurking still, probably.
)Is the cheese a la carte then? Can you get a plate of say 3, or 5, or ?? Also do they suggest pairings with them? Do they carry a lot of ports? Sorry for so many questions; probably the best way to answer them is to just go!
The list grows ever longer, when will we get enough time... and cash...
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Alright, enough politics about the e-card let's get back to more interesting stuff, like the food and places to eat it.
Sorry PaoPao, didn't mean to send the thread off course. In response, I have been to Doolin's, but never for food. Great pub tho - love the uni's.
I will dutifully look thru the e-book tonight and jot down my faves (ie the ones already torn out) and the ones I'm curious about...
Off to tend to a pork roast!
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We buy one every year too, usually in support of a soccer team or similar. At $45 it's very easy to recoup your investment - even if you only make it to 4 places, you've "made your money back". (Yes I realize you actually spend money to do so.)
Originally we bought it because we were starting to eat "nicer" and were looking to try new places while limiting our risk (similar to DOV). Now some places have become annual coupon visits. Sometimes I can cruise that book and not be inspired, other times I don't even think to look in it. For example, I completely forgot that HSG was in there - yet another reason to return!
This brings up an interesting point of etiquette: if you know (virtually or otherwise) the restauranteur / owner / chef, how do you feel about flashing the freebee card? Logic would suggest that if the owner joined up, s/he would accept the card with a (begrudged?) smile. But isn't there still a little voice in the back of your head saying something's not quite right?
The other one is the maximum number of cards per party - three - period - that is it - three.The lady who berated me because I would not accept 10 cards for a party of twenty.
Ha! Neil I bet this is a more common bone of contention that you let on. While some people use the card in good faith, to others a coupon is a license to wreak havoc. Same folks will be tipping 10% on the after-discount amount, non? (Despite the printed instructions.)
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Take what I say lightly, I am a bit a food fascist, I don't belive in lactose intolerance or even worse, peanut allergies.
Keith, this is the only thing you've said that I won't take lightly. You are indeed set in your ways!
I happen to agree with you - when I go to a FD restaurant, I am allowing myself to be swept up by the chef's vision. However, I also can understand 1. if someone has a legitimate allergy, 2. if someone is squeamish about eating certain things.
1. is unavoidable, and by giving the restaurant patronage, that person is essentially saying (IMO), "I like / love what you're doing, but unfortunately I can't eat X so can you create something without X for me to enjoy instead?" Still a compliment, no?
2. is something most likely ingrained by upbringing or something seen on TV or other. Hey I have it myself - eg I had reservations about eating horsemeat. I think that a person can and should be enticed into eating more adventurously or slowly weaned off the comfortable. With the horsemeat, Chef Moreno made such a beautiful dish that hell now I'm practically chasing Mr Ed with a scimitar. Well not quite, but I'm sure ready to eat the tenderloin roast.
If "it" falls under category 2 and not 1, at the very least, just try it, and keep an open mind. Sometimes you change your mind about things. Does anyone like spinach now, but didn't like it when they were 8?
And isn't there a sense of accomplishment when a chef turns someone into a believer? I'd be interested in hearing what Aaron and others think about that.
One final thing before I shut up: this applies to fine dining only, again IMO. When someone goes to a mass-market resto, they're not looking for fugu or sweetbreads. Order whatever the hell you want, more potatoes or less potatoes or sauce on the side, more power to you the diner to try to enjoy yourself - because the food may not be the main reason you're there anyway.
End rambling with obligatory smilie:
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I've never been to Hapa, but I too would recommend Shiru-Bay - for a specific experience. The octopus carpaccio is awesome - even converted an otherwise "squeamish" eater. And where else in this city (or anywhere outside of Japan?) can you get natto ice cream? Mind you I didn't enjoy the taste, but the unique-ness factor sure did kick in. Watching them fold the gooey strands into the ice cream was cool - just like on Iron Chef.
Having said that, I agree with Shellback: the portions are pretty small, and the price is pretty not small. We left satisfied that we ate some great food, but unsatisfied in that we had to continue eating at the next stop to "fill up".
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D-A: Did you try the meat pies at the Dutch Bakery? These are by far and away my favourite meat pies ever! I grew up on them, and every time I go back to Vic I make a point to pick up half a dozen - two for the ferry lineup, maybe a couple for dinner, then whatever's left the next day! Also great cookies - the shortbread ones with the chocolate on top - and cherry tarts. Ah, now I'll have to ask my mom to pick some up. She's already holding a couple bottles of La Frenz for me from Spinnakers...
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We too hit GI over the weekend; because it was the holiday weekend we meant to go early, but ended up sleeping in (because it was the holiday weekend). Parking was okay, but that's because I have a secret spot - okay I got lucky too. First stop was going to be PCI to try the croissants that Chef Koo has sold me on, but unfortunately it was closed (dang holiday thing again). Oh well.
In our meandering back through the market, we got bread from the most southeast bakery (don't know the name, is that one La Baguette?), looked at the herbs by the pie place (incidentally the guy said they had 2 kinds of shiso but I didn't look at them), picked up stock from the Stock Market for mushroom risotto, veggies from our favourite vendor (the one across from Lee's Donuts), and oo'ed and aa'ed at the terrines at Oyama. Then wandered up to Les Amis for white stilton and gruyere (already had parmesian for the risotto). Got home and cracked a bottle of Red Rooster merlot 2002 which was beautiful, especially after breathing.
PS: I too like the turkey sausages from the Turkey Shop, but I actually prefer the cranberry ones. Kind of like a miniature Thanksgiving when I throw them on the grill.
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Lee, are you suggesting that Zuchini Mama is anything less than a sincere off-the-street poster who was probably sucked into eGullet by Jamie Maw's article in VanMag? I hope we are not so elitist that we cannot accept her obviously well thought out ideas on the dream restaurant - ideas offered in an attempt to kick start the thread like Jamie Maw was asked to a while back. Unfortunately Jamie Maw seems to be busy these days, so we should be happy that someone like ZM has stepped into Jamie Maw's shoes.
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Holy cow ZM hope you have already called the patent & copyright office with your ideas. Best into-the-fire-1st-post ever?
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After a couple weeks of anticipation, a new store has opened up on Granville @ 70th across the street from Safeway. The place is called Koni, a European kind of dry / canned goods grocery store with a nicely-stocked deli. Imagine a scaled down Meinharts with a similarly scaled down markup.
We visited on Saturday, day 2 of operation, and got to sample some great items like ham sausage, provelone, prosciutto salami (which ended up on a delicious pizza later), pfeffer sticks, a custardy cake the name of which I've forgotten...
There's a selection of Italian, German, Yugoslavian products like pastas, tomatoes, oils and vinegars, spices and salts, coffees, etc. Not bad considering it's not yet a week old. It's a nice family-run operation (I missed the name of the owner!) and it provides a service the neighborhood is definitely ready for. If you're in the area, drop by for a look (or an espresso - $1.75 for a double shot).
Best part is it's right beside the produce store so we're getting closer to one-stop shopping!
Koni - 8520 Granville St - 604-269-9100
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Oh I am going to frickin kill Internet Explorer!!!!! Seriously, what a piece of shit. Is there anything more frustrating than retyping a long-winded piece of bad prose? Besides reading it?
Okay, recapping my (now very) late report on Thursday's dinner at HSG... Reso at 7, dropped N off and circled for parking. Arrive 10 minutes later to find her seated at a table beside Neil and Lurker Kate with a rather full glass of wine. After intros and spirited conversation, Neil points out 2 women who've just arrived and informs me that *Deborah* is in the house. Introduce myself to her and her lovely mother. Sometime later, after mains and before desert I think, a fellow wanders over and introduces himself as Paul Mitchell. Then after desert, I learn another guy at the bar is HKDave (with aforementioned "TDMA"). Everyone is very nice, but man this internet life / real life crossover thing is getting eerie. But onto the food...
Starter: mussels diablo. Very much enjoyed, as evidenced by the cleaned out bowl afterwards (well there were some bread crumbs). Good hints of heat, but next time I'm going to ask for an extra shot of peppers!
Main: after learning that the hanger steak was not on that night and having dried my tears, I ordered a 12oz NY instead. Still a beautiful piece of beef. Nice crust outside, sooo juicy inside. With a side of mushrooms, plus the mashed butter I mean potatoes and grilled veg, and a glass of syrah (Domaine de Chaberton, ordered because I'd never heard of it, quite peppery). N had the halibut special, delicious esp with the roasted red pepper sauce, and a glass of chardonnay (Mission Hill I think). Neither of us finished the generous helping of potatoes because we were saving room for...
Desert: (drum roll) yes it was the gingerbread pudding. A different desert experience, but one that really works (I'm not into super sweet). The crusty outside, gooey inside really made it, but the savory pumpkin and sweet maple ice cream sides were no slouches either. Coffee for me, tea for N.
It was a great meal (in quality and quantity!) with really enjoyable service, at a very reasonable price - $96 before tip. Thanks Neil, Jude & crew - I will return for the hanger!
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Sounds like quite the deal! Thoughts?
I just finished lunch, and already I'm drooling over those appetizers... My thoughts are filled with goats cheese tartlets and smoked sablefish and honey mussel soup!
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Karole, your descriptions sound so good! Cru is one that is inching towards the top of my list of to do's. Incidentally we seem to have the same wine problem as you and your husband, and tend to drink a lot a pinot noirs as a result. I know, we should probably switch to by-the-glass. Let me know if you have other suggestions.
Maybe I'll try to get down to HSG tonight, thus putting Cru on top tomorrow...
Anyway, last night: Memphis Blues. Glad to report the pulled pork is great, and the BBQ sauce is even better
! Slaw was kind of blah, next time I'll nix it and get extra beans instead. Big Rock on tap is a nice extra. Must return for the ribs. -
And if you have a taste for "steamed salted fish on meat patty," you are eligible for the Toysanese Gourmet Hall of Fame...
Yeah it behooves my siblings why I like this otherwise offensive dish (smell, even appearance). I suppose it's an acquired taste like durian - which I have not acquired myself!
As for real Toisanese pronounciations, there are three sounds that non Toisanese have huge problems with: "thl" and two sounds of "ng" .The "thl" sound is found in words such as four ("thlee") and die, dead (thlay) or snow (thluet). The sound is formed by touching the tip of the tongue against the front teeth and breathing out the sides of the tongue as you say the word.
"Ng" has two facets, a nasal gutteral hum like sound like the word for five, or the family name. Also it is the start of a word like two "ngee" or cow "ngow" in toysanese. The English equivalent is to be found in a word like "ringing" where the sound of the first "ng" is heard very plainly.
Ben this is fascinating, and has confirmed for me that my father's side was Toysan. I'm hearing all those sounds in my head that I could never reproduce as a child, let alone now!
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Our trip to Hooter's are family trips with my two teenage boys. They dream of the day they can go to the Cec' but have to be satiafied with trips to Hooter's or Fatburger or even better the Earl's in Langely.
Point taken.
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I was writing a rant about Hooters, but realized it's completely off topic. Suffice to say, to all of you thinking of going to Hooters, I'd suggest that you go have a beer at the Cecil and stop kidding yourself!
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I've had 2 In N Outs, last one on a road trip to LA about 10 years ago (which was basically during my "prime" fast food burger days), and I've got to say that I did not enjoy either. Tasted kind of like the cardboard tray it came on. However, I've since learned from Canucklehead (IIRC) that there is a code to ordering non-standard burgers. Eg: if you order a 2x4, you get 2 patties and 4 slices of cheese, or possibly the other way around. Help Lee! I will say that In N Out does has the best T-shirts in the biz.
When I was a kid I my cousins took me to Carls Jr, which I loved. Deborah if you get a chance, can you please sample one of these and let me know how it was? Disclaimer: I was about 10.
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There used to be a place on 10th & Alma that did the crispy thin crusts in a wood oven. Started with a G, but can't for the life of me remember the name. Doesn't matter, gone now.
Bella was my staple in Kits for years - sausage mushroom jalapeno. But I think someone bought it and immediately expanded to 5 locations, and it kind of went downhill shortly thereafter.
Tried Nat's and while I liked it, I don't know if it was worth $20 per pie. Plus it doesn't stack up to NY pizza as I remember it (or maybe it's just nostalgia for NYC). Haven't tried the subs, let us know Deborah.
Nowadays I rarely order pizza because I'm constantly disappointed for some reason (delivery pizza standards too high?!). However, if you're into "offbeat" you can try Camy's, which has selections like "tandoori chicken" (someone mentioned Indian pizza in another thread). Okay, but better cold the next day. Edited to add website link and a note that though the site says Fraser St, I know they have more locations around town and one of the must deliver downtown.
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I was down at the market today for a lunch time wine tasting at Bridges...parking was an issue even at 12:30. After the tasting, dropped in for some shopping, and realised that the VQA store there really needs some work with selection and service. Overal got some good deals on sausages, meats, and baked goods...but went home empty handed in the wine department.
Stephen
I agree regarding the wine store Stephen. As one of Vancouver's top tourist destinations, this is the store that should be representing the best of what BC has to offer, and in a lot of cases it seems to offer some of the worst.
I spoke to the owner of the GI wine store a while ago - he is contractually obligated to deal with certain vineyards only, which obviously limits his selection. It's unfortunate because if a place similar to the Kits store on 4th was transplanted to the island, even in a scaled-down mode (to VQA only?), it would benefit everyone.
On the subject of extended hours, I recall upthread there was concern about the impact on the owner-operators' lives and livelihoods by extending an already-full day. The press release only touches on this. Is the opinion expressed by the two gents running the Tea Co and Blackberry the concensus I wonder?
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Granted I haven't been for a while; I used to go when I worked down the road. It's crowded, especially when there's a line, but I've never noticed it to be especially dirty. Never been to the washroom there tho...
I like the salamis and cheeses they use, and they really don't skimp on either. I'll have to swing by to do a taste test vs Ben Do.
Crepes
in Cooking
Posted
For two or three years in a row, for my friend's birthday he would invite a bunch of us over for an all-you-can-eat crepe brunch. We were about 12-14 IIRC. The first 7 or 8 I'd eat stuffed with sausage, scrambled eggs and bacon, and the last 3 or 4 I'd fill with vanilla ice cream, strawberries and chocolate sauce, or homemade jam and whipped cream. (Insert Homer drooling soundbyte.)
Every year my birthday friend and another friend would engage in a head-to-head (tete-a-tete) crepe eating battle. I think the record was over 40, but I also think they were cheating a bit by using only maple syrup on the majority.
Looking back, I pity and admire my friend's dad who slaved over the stove making probably over 150 crepes for us. He just used a frying pan, no special device, but they all turned out beautifully thin.